Walter Denton

New guy on the block here. I'm looking for a hybrid I can use on paved and unpaved trails. Unpaved are fairly flat but often have loose gravel, some rocks and can be muddy. I will probably also do some riding on the road. I have no need to go fast and I want a flat bar. I recently tested a Trek 8.4 DS and liked it but I see the Giant Roam 1 seems to have better components for about the same price. I will try the Roam but the dealer is further away and so slightly less convenient. My price range is about $800 max. I read a lot about the Trek DS series here but I haven't seen much about the Giant Roam 1. Does anyone have any experience with that bike?

travbikeman

I've tested the Roam 2. They are nice bikes, but the dimensions were better and more comfortable for me on the Trek 8.6 that I tested and my Crosstrail. The Giant's appear to be great deals though. I've checked youtube video's on them and people love them.

Happy shopping!

Walter Denton

Travbikeman, thanks for the advice.

Wanderer

Giant makes great bikes, usually at a lower cost....

mwl001

I would second @travbikeman, the Giant is an excellent value, probably the best in the dual sport category, but make sure it fits you. I felt most other offerings -- Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, Raleigh, Fuji -- had a pretty similar geometry in this category, while the Giant was very different. I preferred it, some however do not. If you like the fit the price can't be beat. I saw someone mention the prices on the Roams will go up substantially for 2016, so if that's true best to grab one before they're gone.

Edit -- apparently prices have not increased; Giant apparently posted Australian prices on the american site for a brief time. Although I'm not a fan of the non-black option on the Roam 2 for '16...

Walter Denton

Thanks. Yes, I am concerned about fit. It looks like I will need a small frame. I'm 5'11 with a short inseam. I tried a Jamis 19" DXT and I couldn't straddle the frame. I stopped at a Giant dealer yesterday but he didn't have any Roams and when he checked the computer he said there were no more 2015 Roam 1s available. He did quote me a price of $800 for a 2016 and said he expected a small frame Roam 1 in 5 weeks when they become available. I guess I'll be patient and see if a bike really shows up in 5 weeks. I don't really want to commit without trying one.

travbikeman

I noticed yesterday at my LBS that all the Roams they had have been sold. Seems to be a quick selling bike.